Hokage's Office, a few days after the second phase of the Chuunin Exams.
These were supposed to be days for the Genin to rest and recover after the grueling Forest of Death phase.
But in the shadows, meetings were being held.
Within the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, called a select few for a confidential discussion.
Jingyi, alongside Namikaze Minato who had returned temporarily from the battlefield at the borders sat quietly, waiting.
Suddenly, a soft, eerie voice floated into the room before the door even opened.
"Minato, jingyi... I see I'm not the only one summoned in secret."
The door opened, revealing Orochimaru, dressed in his signature Konoha Jōnin attire.
Both Minato and Jingyi stood up politely.
"Orochimaru-sensei."
Orochimaru slithered into the room with his usual unsettling presence. He never used loud entrances. By the time you noticed him, he was already behind you.
Soon after, the Third Hokage appeared, accompanied by Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado Konoha's elder advisors.
"Hiruzen, why did you call this meeting without informing us first?" Koharu questioned sharply, her face stern.
Hiruzen sighed but did not answer directly.
He knew that even if he hadn't called them, these two would invite themselves. They always did.
Jingyi and Minato exchanged glances and politely greeted them before sitting down again.
Hiruzen signaled toward the seats.
"Rumors say you plan to lift restrictions on certain forbidden techniques," Koharu said, getting straight to the point.
"Not entirely. Only a few... under strict supervision," Hiruzen clarified.
"This is reckless!" Homura barked. "Forbidden jutsu were sealed away for a reason. Some of them carry not only physical risks but also ethical concerns!"
Orochimaru listened silently, his snake-like gaze flickering between everyone present. To him, the debate was amusing.
"Hiruzen, the Second Hokage himself sealed many of those techniques into the Scroll of Seals. Violating that decree is to dishonor his will," Koharu pressed.
At this, Hiruzen's patience thinned, but before he could reply, Jingyi spoke calmly.
"The Second Hokage studied those techniques thoroughly, even used some on the battlefield himself. If we withhold them from capable shinobi, we might as well bind them with chains."
Minato caught on quickly. "Jōnin should have the right to choose their weapons, even if those weapons come at a price."
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"Interesting... It seems these two have managed to sway even the old man," he commented in a low, amused voice.
Koharu, narrowing her eyes, changed her aim.
"Jingyi, your Breathing Activation Technique has drawn attention, but do you understand the cost? Techniques that burn the candle at both ends shorten your life."
Jingyi sneered coldly.
"A long life sitting behind a desk is meaningless on the battlefield. Those of us risking our lives daily don't have the luxury to worry about lifespan."
"You insolent are you mocking our service? We've all fought wars!"
"Indeed?" Jingyi didn't flinch. "The Second Hokage fought from the frontlines even as Hokage. The Third still leads personally. But you... advisors... when was the last time you set foot on a battlefield?"
The room froze.
The two elders slammed the table, standing up furiously.
"Is this how you speak to your elders?"
Just as the tension reached its peak
Crash!
The window shattered.
A figure landed inside with overwhelming chakra and presence.
"What's going on? Oh... seems lively here."
It was Tsunade.
Minato and Jingyi were stunned.
Even Orochimaru laughed quietly.
"Tsunade-hime... You finally returned," Hiruzen said with mixed feelings.
Koharu bristled. "Tsunade, you are being disrespectful!"
"Rules? Don't talk to me about rules when it's convenient for you," Tsunade scoffed, sitting down beside Jingyi as if she owned the place. "When I pushed for medical ninja integration, what did you say? Now you want to talk about village policy?"
She crossed her arms, glaring.
"Since the Second Hokage died, we fought tooth and nail at the front while you played politics in your cozy offices. Don't lecture me about sacrifice."
Homura trembled with rage.
"Everyone has a past of valor! Don't think you're the only one who's bled for the village!"
"Exactly," Tsunade leaned back with a smirk. "Everyone has a past. But what about now? All I see are elders clinging to their power, afraid of any change that might disturb their comfort."
At this point, even Hiruzen had to intervene.
"Enough, Tsunade. The frontlines and the rear both serve Konoha. Don't forget that."
Suddenly, a new voice entered.
"You speak as if we are afraid of death."
It was Shimura Danzo.
He entered quietly, still walking firmly, his body yet unscarred by the losses he'd later suffer.
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "You? The great protector from the shadows? Konoha's in decline because of your endless schemes."
Danzo, unfazed, countered coldly. "You don't understand the necessity of darkness. The Root's role is not something someone like you can comprehend."
"Oh? I only see a village surrounded by enemies, internally fractured, and your Root at the center of every ugly deed," Tsunade shot back.
Even Jingyi had to admire her directness.
Orochimaru's smile widened.
"Everyone... let's not forget the actual topic at hand," Orochimaru interjected with his signature sarcasm. "The status of forbidden techniques. I'm sure the 'honor' of our dear advisors can wait."
The room fell silent.
Jingyi chuckled to himself.
How ironic—Orochimaru, of all people, cut through the noise to bring focus.
And sadly... he wasn't wrong.
Because right now, the future of Konoha, and whether or not to lift the ban on certain techniques, mattered more than their old glories.